Whether it's an almost vertical shuttle up a mountain or a voyage aboard a luxury carriage, a rail journey can be a unforgettable experience. So climb aboard and watch the landscape roll past through my blog. Discover the beauty of the world on trains.
I will be happy to hear from you. E. Mail me on ravindrar@sltnet.lk

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Steam locomotives class "L"
(2-10-0) moves with tourist train along Moscow Little Ring Railway. The Russian
steam locomotive class "L" (type 2-10-0) was a main type of Russian
steam locomotives after Second World War. It was built between 1947 and 1955;
4200 locomotives were built. In nowadays is about 10 such locomotives remained
in work in Russia. The Moscow Little Ring Railway is a ring-shaped railway
which encircles the center of the city of Moscow. It was built between 1902 and
1908 and is currently used for cargo traffic. The railroad is operated by the
Moscow Railway. The total length of the ring is 54 kilometres (34 miles).

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

The
construction of the narrow-gauge railway line between Massawa and Asmara begun
in Autumn of 1887 by the Italians to provide supply routes to the advanced army
positions as well as the transportation
of raw materials intended to be mined in Eritrea. The line reached Asmara in
December 1911 and the Agordat terminus in 1928.

The
trains, surplus material of Italian origin, serviced 30 stations, took 1548
curves, and were plunging in and out 39 tunnels, passing 65 bridges and viaducts.
38 trains were running in 24 hours in each direction on the Asmara - Massawa
line. The historic railway covered 306.4 kms on a route from the port of
Massawa to Agordat via Asmara and Keren.

Its route ascends
from the coastal plain at sea level, clinging tightly to the edge of the steep
escarpment before reaching the Asmara plateau at 2394 meters above sea level
and then descending to an altitude of 650 meters to the Barka lowlands in
Agordat. This sharp increase and decrease in altitude within a short distance,
the beautiful scenery it crosses, and the artistically built bridges and
tunnels makes the line uniquely spectacular.

.
It had been deteriorating due to the negligence of the Ethiopian
administration. The railway stopped its operation in 1975 during the war of
liberation, when Ethiopian forces destroyed the railway, and finally was closed
in 1976. After 20 years of destruction, despite other priorities, the
government of Eritrea launched a project to rehabilitate the railway system in
May 1994,

The
service between Massawa and Ghinda resumed in 1996 and the Massawa - Asmara
line was completed in February 2003. The stretch between Nefasit and Asmara is
the most remarkable. With over 20 tunnels, 65 bridges and viaducts and an
incline of 1:30 this section is a triumph of Italian engineering, and now a symbol
of national pride and self-reliance.

It
is a fascinating experience to enjoy the marvelous authentic 1930s vintage
Mallet steam locomotive or Littorina railcar ride run by senior operators,
older than the locomotives themselves. It is one of the most tortuous mountain
railways on earth, through a picturesque scenery, tunnels and bridges, that
make the line spectacular and one of the best tourist sights in the world.

About Me

I am from Sri Lanka. I am happy to share my collection of stamps and Post Cards featuring stamps and Post Cards with fellow collectors from around the world. This is my collection of covers / Post Cards with stamps and Post Cards featuring
Lighthouses on stamps, Lighthouses On post cards , Cars (Vintage and Formula 1)on stamps and Trains on post cards from around the world . I will display the covers as and when they are received. Thank you very much friends for your interest. I am happy to receive your feedback.Please leave a message on the chat box. I will respond.
Ravindra